New analysis of government data by the national homelessness charity Crisis suggests that in England over 100,000 low income renters on Universal Credit will be at least two or more months behind on their rent when the planned £20 cut comes next week.
Crisis claims that the cut, which will see people on Universal Credit lose an average of £87 per month or the equivalent of £1,040 over a year, will hit struggling households amid rapidly soaring energy prices, a freeze on housing benefit which isn’t keeping up with rising rents in most parts of the country, and the possibility of further redundancies in the wake of the Government’s furlough scheme ending today.
Crisis is warning that a further drop in income could lead to a surge in homelessness unless the £20 cut is reversed.
Chief executive Jon Sparkes says: “For many struggling renters this cut could be the final blow that forces them from their homes.
“We know that when people have somewhere stable to live, they are in a better position to find work, build their careers and contribute to the economy as it re-opens. Taking this vital lifeline away risks undermining all of this.
“If we are truly serious about levelling up the country and rebuilding our economy so it works for everyone, then the government must change course and keep the £20 uplift so that people don’t needlessly lose their homes this winter and we have a fighting chance at recovery.”
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I don’t know how the level of UC is worked out but I assume there is a formula that takes into account what is necessary to support recipients. To arbitrarily add £20 a week to the amount makes a mockery of the system. Either the formula is correct and the top up should be removed or the formula is wrong and it should be revised.
A decent society supports those who can’t support themselves (as opposed to won’t) but the money given to claimants comes from all of our pockets and there must be an underlying calculation to justify what is handed out.
The only tenants facing eviction will be those that WON'T pay
That’s exactly how it is. A tenant has a choice with all the benefits available. All tenants that don’t pay should be blacklisted 50 mile radius. Teach them a lesson.
Applicants saying they’ve been living with friends or family when they are really being evicted are applying now. These people are looking for their next victim (Landlord) Insist on home owning guarantor game changer. Watch how they make excuses
Dead right.
And the law must chase the Guarantor too...Relentlessly.
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